Sep 09, 2026 8:30pm IST
‘Drawn Together’ Stars Ester Expósito and Hugo Diego Garcia on Their First Meeting, Favorite Scene and the Sequel (EXCLUSIVE)
The YA (Young Adult) and NA (New Adult or Mature Adult) genres are taking over streaming calendars. The latest entry is “Drawn Together” (“Marfil” in Spanish), adapted from the "Enfrentados" duology by author Mercedes Ron. Fans of Ron’s “Culpables” saga books and films know just how critical the lead pair’s chemistry is. “Drawn Together” has Ester Expósito and Hugo Diego Garcia bringing the leads, Marfil Cortés and Sebastián Moore, alive on screen.
In an exclusive conversation with Variety India, Expósito (“Elite”) and Garcia (“The Substance”) reveal details about their first time meeting each other, their experience playing these characters, a little tease of the sequel, “Drawn Apart” (“Ébano”), which they’ve already shot for and more. Excerpts:
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At what point during your first meeting or table read did the chemistry click?
Hugo: The first time we met was very interesting. Director Óscar Pedraza was with us, and I instantly felt we were connecting with our characters. Our energy also felt like I was Sebastian, and she was Marfil. Having read the script, it was as if I was meeting the character directly, which was surprising to me.
Ester: That's true, same. I felt like he was Sebastian; so serious, so hermetic and stoic.
In a conversation with Variety India, “Enfrentados” author Mercedes Ron revealed that she always wanted Ester to play Marfil, but she wasn't sure if you would agree. What about this character made you say yes?
Ester: I think it is Marfil’s power, determination and how she doesn't stay in a victim mindset but decides to take control and learn how to fight and defend herself. I love all those things. I also loved the idea of learning a little bit of boxing, self-defense and ballet and being part of a romantic movie. I have never done that before.
Do you have a favorite scene or one that was a real challenge but you were very happy with how it turned out?
Hugo: I think we both agree it's the one in the second movie? Because your favorite is the one with the dancing?
Ester: No, not my favorite. But the elevator scene in the first film, maybe? I think it’s the favorite one for both of us, not only because of what we did, but also because of how it's been edited.
Hugo: They transcended what we did.
Ester: Yeah, that's true. And in the second one… Well, we will talk about the second one later, next year!
Since you’ve already shot the sequel, “Ébano” aka “Drawn Apart,” was it better to trace a character arc when you’re shooting back-to-back, or do you think getting some distance before returning to a character helps more?
Ester: No, I think it's better back-to-back because you're more connected with the story and the character.
Hugo: You don't have to pause and come back. You're immersed, and that arc is helping as an actor. I won't say it's like a play because it's not. Some things we didn’t shoot in order, but for the most part, we did. So that helped because we were developing the work and the story as the characters were living it.
You've mentioned that this was your first time playing this romantic role. How did you get into the rhythm of playing these two characters? Did you work with intimacy coordinators?
Hugo: Yeah, we were very protected and felt secure. It was a very safe, respectful space on set. And we prepared a lot before the scenes. We talked a lot. So we were comfortable with everything, and it went great.
In the film, there’s a running joke that Marfil has the memory of an elephant. As for Sebastian, he is always serious and standing on business. Did you share any traits with your characters?
Ester: Yeah, I have a lot of things in common with Marfil. I have a good memory. And I didn't think about that characteristic, but I, too, am very stubborn.
Hugo: What are they called when people have a great memory, almost to the point where it becomes a problem because they remember everything?
Ester: No, no, I don't think I reach that level!
Hugo: Maybe not, but you do have one of the best memories that I've seen. You remember things very precisely.
Ester: But there are many things that I don't remember too. Several occasions where I'm like, “Oh, how can I not remember this?” But yeah, I have a lot in common with Marfil. And Hugo does too with Sebastian,
Hugo: Yeah, I can save people. I'm extremely competent with weapons and with my body. So it was easy. There was almost no work to do!
“Drawn Together” (Marfil) is currently streaming on Prime Video.
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